509 B.C.E. to 264 B.C.E.
During this time period, Rome spent two hundred constant years of conflict and combat. Rome will cautiously take control of the Italian peninsula. For the next 100 years Romans continue to fight the Etruscans and many tribes living in Rome's hills. In 390 B.C.E, the Republic almost collapses when they defend themselves from the Gauls, who were war like people from the north. The Gauls crushed Roman troops and rushed the city. The majority of the population fled into the countryside for survival as the Gauls burned and looted the beloved capital city. The city being destroyed, the Romans considered the option of fleeing, however they bravely opted to rebuild the city. This time around, the city will be surrounded with walls and the army will be trained to be stronger. During the 300s B.C.E., Rome conquers the Etruscans and many neighboring tribes. And to the south of the Italian peninsula, they battle the Samnites and multiple Greek city-states. Finally around 275 B.C.E., Romes admirable conquest was done. |
The Drawbacks of Romes first ExpansionEven though Romes expansion was done, they had suffered many expenses. The Romans had been in conflict for two centuries, and the Gauls previously destroyed their capital city. As Rome's territory expanded they needed more people to serve in the army to defend the land they conquered. This leaded to civil unrest because the majority of people serving were plebeians. Many conquered cities received limited privileges such as paying Roman taxes and supplying soldiers for armies. By 264 B.C.E., Rome was the Mediterranean power.
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*All units are in B.C.E., Not up to scale*